Methods for loading battery storage compartments into a solar canopy support structure

ABSTRACT

The present application provides methods for loading and unloading high capacity storage equipment to a solar power canopy. The methods and structures may include horizontal support members have mechanisms to engage corresponding mechanisms on a compartment housing the high capacity storage equipment. The mechanisms may include plates, flanged surfaces, rails, tracks, hook assemblies, and ridges. The methods and structures may include a superstructure that is coupled to an moves with respect to the solar power canopy frame. The superstructure may pivot and/or rotate to allow loading and unloading. The methods and structures also may include cabinets or cubicles sized to receive one or more compartments housing the high capacity storage equipment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application claims is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/678,476, filed Apr. 3, 2015, titled SOLAR CANOPYWITH INTEGRAL STORAGE COMPARTMENT TO RECEIVE HIGH CAPACITY BATTERIES,which is a continuation in part application of International ApplicationSerial Number PCT/US14/58671, filed Oct. 1, 2014, which claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/885,897, filed Oct.2, 2013, the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein byreference as if set out in full.

BACKGROUND

As countries become more concerned with oil reserves and renewableenergy, carbon footprints become a focus of attention. Grid power and/orlocal power networks attempt to address some of the concerns withrenewable energy sources. However, renewable energy sources areinherently unpredictable in their output. Additionally, large scalerenewable energy farms, such as wind turbine farms and large solararrays, are traditionally coupled to the grid power network remote fromany particular residential or commercial center. Thus, problems with thetraditional or conventional power grid disrupts the renewable energypower source in a manner similar to the disruption of any power. Forexample, a natural disaster would potentially disrupt both hydrocarbongenerated power as well as renewable power.

As identified in the above, one of the problems with traditionalrenewable energy sources relates to the consistency of the power sourceto provide a particular amount of power or energy, typically measured inkilowatt/Hrs. The patent applications, incorporated above by reference,introduce a unique canopy that combines renewable energy generation,relatively large scale power storage, and a controllable discharge to agrid or local power network with a portable or modular design.

As can be appreciated, the compartments (whether a single compartment ormultiple compartments) that hold the batteries, the inverter(s), powercontrol module(s), coolant systems, and other components can becomecumbersome and heavy. One of the features of the applications referencedabove is the modular nature of the compartments allowing for batterystorage compartments to be replaced or swapped out. The process ofloading/unloading battery storage compartments can be difficult.

Thus, against the above background, improved methods are provided forloading and unloading battery storage compartments into a canopystructure.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary, and the foregoing Background, is not intendedto identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subjectmatter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In some aspects of the technology, a method of loading and unloadingrelatively heavy and unwieldly components, such as a batterycompartment, onto a solar power canopy is provided. In oneconfiguration, the solar power canopy includes a superstructure that ispivotally coupled to the solar power canopy frame. The superstructurepivots from an engaged configuration to a load/unload configurationbecause one end of the superstructure is pivotally connected to thesolar power canopy frame and the other end is movably coupled by ascissor linkage assembly or the like. The scissor linkage could bereplaced by a cable linkage, for example. The load/unload configurationlowers the superstructure such that the top of the superstructure, whichis generally open in this aspect, is exposed. The components may bemoved into or out of the superstructure as necessary through the exposedtop into the cavity defined by the superstructure. For loading, oncepositioned, such as by sliding or the like, the component is coupled tothe superstructure and the superstructure is pivoted back to the engagedconfiguration. For unloading, the component is un-coupled form thesuperstructure and removed. Once removed, a different component may beloaded or the superstructure can be pivoted back to the engagedconfiguration.

In another configuration, the superstructure is pivoted to a horizontalposition. A lift is used to move the battery compartment into and out ofthe superstructure. The battery compartment may couple or decouple fromthe superstructure using a coupling. The connection between thecompartment and the solar power canopy may include a socket in pinarrangement in certain aspects. In other aspects the connection may be abolt and flange connection.

In one configuration, the superstructure is first pivoted from theengaged position to a first non-engaged position, similar to asdescribed above. The superstructure is next rotated to a verticalarrangement or a second non-engaged position, which allows for loadingand/or unloading of the components. The second non-engaged position maybe considered the load/unload configuration in this aspect of thetechnology.

In another aspect, the superstructure may be provided with rails ortracks. The battery component would be lifted to align extensionsurfaces or flanged surfaces on the battery compartment with the railsor tracks such that the component may slide along the rails or tracks.The battery compartment may be provided with rollers or wheels tofacilitate the movement.

In yet another embodiment, the solar power canopy may be provided withone or more beams or members designed to support the heavy compartments,such as the battery compartments, specific inverter compartments, PCcontrol compartments, transformer compartments, energy storagecompartments, or the like. The battery compartments are movedhorizontally to engage or disengage the beams or members and coupled ordecoupled as required. The battery compartments may be pre-designed withpower and data interfaces that blind mate with power and data interfacesin the beams or members or plugged using a male and female plug andsocket. In certain aspects, the beams may be configured to have cabinetsto receive the battery compartments. The cabinets or cubicle arrangementmay be provided with a lip or stop to prevent or inhibit over insertingthe battery compartment.

In certain aspects, the solar power canopy may be provided with ridgeson beams, members, panels, connection plates, or the like. The batterycompartments similarly would be provided with mating ridges on surfaces.The battery compartments may be aligned such that the correspondingridges engage to hold the battery compartment in place. In certainaspects, panels may be provided that can be moved into and out of anopen or closed position to facilitate the placement of the batterycompartment in the solar power canopy. In one aspect of the technology,to load a battery compartment, a panel having a ridge is placed in anopen position. The battery compartment is moved, vertically and/orhorizontally, into the superstructure until a first ridge on the batterycompartment aligns with a first ridge on the solar power canopy. Thepanel is next moved to the closed position, which correspondingly alignsa second ridge on the battery compartment with a ridge on the panel (orthe second ridge on the solar power canopy). The lift mechanism wouldlower the battery compartment until the first and second ridges couple.The battery compartment may be further secured with bolts or the like.

In another configuration, the technology of the present applicationprovides a cabinet that has a cubicle consistent with the above. Thecubicle is pivotally coupled to the solar power canopy. The cubicle ispivoted from an engaged position to a load/unload position. The batterycompartment is slid into the cubicle or cabinet from a lift mechanism orthe like and fastened thereto.

The technology of the present application also provides for mechanismsto facilitate lifting and moving the battery compartments, frames, andsuperstructures. In one exemplary aspect, a winch or windlass isprovided with cable attachments to a battery compartment. The cable isrouted to a window or location where the battery compartment isloaded/unloaded. The cable is coupled to the battery compartment and thewinch, windlass, or the like is used to hoist or lower the batterycompartment. The cable may be routed through a joint or track for thecable to provide positioning. In certain embodiments, the cable may becoupled to a pulley system. In certain aspect, the pulley and/or winchmay be movable along tracks to position to the mechanism to allowlifting of the battery compartment. In still other aspects, thesuperstructure may be raised and/or lowered onto the battery compartmentand coupled/de-coupled from the solar power canopy to facilitate loadingand unloading. The winch or windlass may further be used to pivot thesuperstructures using a cable and pulley system.

In certain aspects, the solar power canopy may have a plurality of solarpanel arrays coupled to the solar power canopy. The solar panel arraysmay be supported using a counterbalanced guidewire. In certain aspects,the solar panel arrays may be coupled to an axle or hinged to the solarpower canopy such that the solar panel arrays may be pivoted in unisonor separately by moving the guidewire or axle such that the solar panelarrays are positionable for more optimal sun exposure.

The solar power canopy may further have a support member to allow thebattery compartments to be snap fit onto the support member using a maleprotrusion/female socket configuration.

These and other aspects of the present system and method will beapparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figuresherein.

DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention,including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to thefollowing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a solar power canopy with a pluralityof battery storage compartments consistent with the technology of thepresent application.

FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the solar power canopy of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of the solar power canopy of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative configuration of the solar power canopy ofFIG. 1 consistent with the technology of the present application.

FIG. 5 shows another perspective view of the solar power canopy of FIG.4.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative configuration of the solar power canopy witha plurality of battery compartments and a superstructure consistent withthe technology of the present application.

FIG. 6A shows an alternative configuration of the solar power canopy ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 7 shows another perspective view of the solar power canopy of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative configuration of the solar power canopy witha plurality of battery compartments consistent with the technology ofthe present application.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative configuration of the solar power canopy witha plurality of battery compartments consistent with the technology ofthe present application.

FIG. 10 shows detail on connecting a battery compartment to a solarpower canopy consistent with the technology of the present application.

FIG. 10A shows detail on connecting a battery compartment to a solarpower canopy consistent with the technology of the present application.

FIG. 10B is another view of connecting a battery compartment to a solarpower canopy as shown in FIGS. 10 and 10A.

FIG. 10C is another view of connecting a battery compartment to a solarpower canopy as shown in FIGS. 10, 10A, and 10B.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative configuration of the solar power canopywith a plurality of battery compartments consistent with the technologyof the present application.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative configuration of the solar power canopywith a plurality of battery compartments consistent with the technologyof the present application.

FIG. 12A shows details of the solar power canopy of FIG. 12.

FIG. 12B shows an alternative configuration of the solar power canopy ofFIGS. 12 and 12A.

FIG. 12C shows a configuration of the solar power canopy of FIG. 12Bconsistent with the technology of the present application.

FIG. 13 shows a configuration of the solar power canopy with a pluralityof battery compartments consistent with the technology of the presentapplication.

FIG. 13A shows a portion of the solar power canopy of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 shows a configuration of the solar power canopy with a pluralityof battery compartments consistent with the technology of the presentapplication.

FIG. 15 shows a configuration of the solar power canopy with a pluralityof battery compartments consistent with the technology of the presentapplication.

FIG. 15A shows another view of the solar power canopy of FIG. 15.

FIG. 15B shows additional detail of a portion of the solar power canopyof FIGS. 15 and 15A.

FIG. 16 shows a solar power canopy with a plurality of batterycompartments consistent with the technology of the present application.

FIG. 16A shows additional detail of the solar power canopy of FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 shows a solar power canopy with a plurality of batterycompartments consistent with the technology of the present application.

FIG. 17A shows additional detail of the solar power canopy of FIG. 17.

FIG. 17B shows an alternative configuration of the solar power canopywith a plurality of battery compartments of FIGS. 17 and 17A.

FIGS. 18 and 18A show a solar power canopy with a plurality of batterycompartments consistent with the technology of the present application.

FIG. 19 shows a solar power canopy with a plurality of batterycompartments consistent with the technology of the present application.

FIGS. 20 and 20A show a solar power canopy with a plurality of batterycompartments consistent with the technology of the present application.

FIGS. 21, 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D show a solar power canopy with aplurality of battery compartments consistent with the technology of thepresent application.

FIGS. 22 and 22A show a solar power canopy with a plurality of batterycompartments consistent with the technology of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technology of the present application will now be described morefully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form apart hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplaryembodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the technology of thepresent application. However, embodiments may be implemented in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as being limited to theembodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The technology of the present application is described with specificreference to solar canopies having one or more photoelectric cells.However, the technology described herein may be used for other renewableenergy sources, and the like. For example, the technology of the presentapplication may be applicable to heliostats, wind energy generationstations, or the like. Moreover, the technology of the presentapplication will be described with relation to exemplary embodiments.The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments. Additionally, unless specificallyidentified otherwise, all embodiments described herein should beconsidered exemplary.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a solar power canopy 100 is provided.Solar power canopy 100 includes a solar canopy 102 and a battery system104. The solar canopy 102 includes a frame structure 106 comprising, inthis exemplary embodiment, a generally vertical center support strut 108anchored to the ground via a concrete coupling 110 and a plurality ofgenerally horizontally extending struts 112. The struts 112, in thisexemplary embodiment, angle upwards from the center support strut 108forming a shallow Y shape for the solar canopy 102. Other shapes arepossible including a T-shape, a 7-shape, or the like. The outer edges ofthe struts 112 are typically coupled by a support member 111.

Extending generally outward from a center axis 10 and supported by thehorizontally extending struts 112 are a plurality of solar panels 114, aportion of which are cut away for clarity. Arranged below the pluralityof solar panels 114, and supported, in part, by the center support strut108 and the horizontally extending struts 112 is a battery compartmentsupport frame 116, which may be considered part of the battery system104 for the purposes of the present application, although battery system104 and solar canopy 102 form an integrated unit.

In this exemplary rendition, the battery compartment support frame 116comprises a box like superstructure 118 into which the batterycompartment 120 can be loaded. As shown, each box like superstructurethat is designed to hold a predetermined number of battery compartments120, which can be 1, 2, 3 (as shown) or more battery compartments 120.The box like superstructure 118 is pivotally connected at a first end122 proximal the center strut 108 to the battery compartment supportframe 116. The second end 124, opposite the first end 122 and distal thecenter strut 108, is pivotally coupled to an expandable linkage assembly126. The expandable linkage assembly 126 also is pivotally coupled tothe horizontally extending struts 112 and/or the battery compartmentssupport frame 116 proximal the outer member 111.

The linkage assembly 126 has a first member 130 pivotally coupled to asecond member 132 such that the linkage assembly expands and collapsesin a scissor motion. This allows the box like superstructure 118 to movefrom a closed configuration 134 to an opened configuration 136 (theassembly may have intermediate stops as well). In the open configuration136, as can be appreciated, battery compartments 120 can beloaded/unloaded from the box like superstructure 118. In the closedconfiguration 134, the solar power canopy 100 can be used as aconventional parking structure or the like.

With reference to FIG. 2, the solar power canopy 100 is shown with oneof the box like superstructures 118 in the open configuration 136. Ascan be appreciated, the box like superstructure 118 is provided with anopen top 202, a plurality of side walls 204, and a bottom 206 to definea volume or cavity 208 into which one or more battery compartments 120can be fitted, of which three are shown in one box like superstructure118. The solar power canopy 100 is provided, in this exemplaryembodiment, with four box like superstructures 118. The superstructure118 is opened by pivotally moving the superstructure such that thelinkage assembly 126 extends.

In this case, the battery compartment 120 is moved generallyhorizontally into a space in the cavity 208. The leading edge 210 of thebattery compartment 120 is fitted into the cavity 208 and pivotallyengaged therein. The trailing edge 212 is lowered until the base 214 ofthe battery compartment 120 is flush against the bottom 206 of thesuperstructure 118. In some embodiments, the battery compartment 120 canbe located along the superstructure 118 by sliding it from alower/higher position to a higher/lower position to fit the batterycompartment into the superstructure 118. Removal of one or more of thebattery compartments 120 would be completed by reverse order of theabove. Once the battery compartments 120 are loaded, unloaded, or acombination thereof, the superstructure is pivoted to the closed (orengaged) configuration 134. The superstructure would be latched orlocked to inhibit inadvertent opening of the superstructure.

With reference to FIG. 4, a similar methodology for loading andunloading battery compartments 120 to the superstructure 118 isprovided. In this case, the superstructure is pivotally coupled to thebattery support frame 116 to allow at least two separate pivots. Asdescribed in part above, the superstructure is first moved from a closed(or engaged) position 134 to an open (or load) position 136 by pivotingthe superstructure 118 at a pivot point proximal the central axis 10.The distal end of the superstructure is moved downward a distance asdefined by the linkage assembly 126. The pivoting, in this case, islimited to arrange the superstructure in a generally horizontal position(as opposed to the angled position shown in FIG. 3). A sidewall 204 ofthe superstructure comprises an inner wall portion 402 hingedly coupledto an outerwall portion 404 to allow the superstructure to pivot about atransverse axis 12. The superstructure pivots about the transverse axis12 until the bottom 206 is generally arranged in a vertical position orperpendicular to the ground (or support surface). The superstructure 118may have a tether 406 to inhibit over rotation of the superstructure118. The battery compartment 120 would subsequently be horizontallymoved into or out of the superstructure 118. Once the batterycompartments 120 are manipulated, the superstructure is pivoted from thevertical arrangement back to the horizontal arrangement, whichcorresponds to the open (load) configuration 134. The superstructure isnext pivoted about axis 10 by causing the linkage 126 to scissor to theclosed (or engaged) configuration 136.

FIG. 5 shows another view of the embodiment described in FIG. 4 with thelinkage assembly 126 extended and one of the superstructures 118 ₁ inthe vertical configuration 500 and the remaining superstructure 118 ₂₋₄in the closed (or engaged) configuration 136. As shown, the batterycompartments may each be interconnected electrically via connectors 502and each battery bank 504 may be electrically interconnected to a bus506, such as a bus bar or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 6, the solar power canopy 100 is shown in analternative configuration. The solar power canopy 100 includes thebattery compartment support frame 116 that has a box like superstructure118. The battery compartment support frame 116, in this exemplaryembodiment, includes a plurality of support members 600 that are coupledto the horizontal struts 112 of solar canopy 102. The superstructure 118includes a plurality of sidewalls 602 that define a volume 604 intowhich one or more battery compartments 120 may be placed. While notshown, the superstructure 118 may have internal walls to separate eachbattery. Also, the superstructure may have a cover (similar to thebottom 206 described above). The superstructure 118 is pivotally coupledto one of the support members 600 by a hinge or the like at a first end606. The second end 608 opposite the first end 606 is coupled to alinkage assembly 610 (which may simply be a lever arm in certainembodiments). The linkage assembly 610, as shown, has two members 612pivotally coupled at a pivot 611 to one of the support members 600 suchthat the superstructure may be moved between a closed (or engaged)configuration 614 and an open (or load) configuration 616. In the open(or load) configuration 616, the superstructure 118 is generallyhorizontal to the ground or support surface. A plurality of firstconnectors 618 are coupled to the sidewalls 602 (or cover if provided).The battery compartment 120 is moved horizontally, vertically until acorresponding plurality of second connectors 620 engage the firstconnectors 618. The first and second connectors 618, 620 could be pinand socket connectors, bolts and nuts, mating flanges, or the like. FIG.6A is similar to the FIG. 6 configuration but each battery compartment120 is provided a separate superstructure 118. FIG. 7 shows another viewof the configuration in FIG. 6. As can be appreciated, the linkage 610couple be a scissor type of linkage. In certain embodiments, the linkage610 may be independent lever arms 612, where each lever arm 612 wouldeach have its own pivot. FIG. 7 also shows a potential bus connection622 connecting the batteries. As best seen in FIG. 7, the superstructure118 has an upper portion 700 that has a flared, flanged, or extendedsurface 702 forming a shoulder to which the first connectors 618 may becoupled. Extended surface 702 may be formed into a cover as desired.

With reference now to FIG. 8, a variation of the configuration describedin FIGS. 6 and 7 is provided. As shown in FIG. 8, the superstructure 118includes a ledge 800 on one of the plurality of sidewalls 602. Thebattery compartment 120 would have a corresponding extension 802. Toinstall the battery compartment 120, the extension 802 end of thebattery compartment 120 would be angled up and over the ledge 800. Thebattery compartment 120 would be pivoted such that the leading end 804of the battery compartment would move downward until the extension 802engaged the ledge 800. The trailing end 806 would move upward untilfirst connectors 618 engaged second connectors 620. In certainembodiments, the ledge 800 may be installed directly on a member 600 andthe first connectors 618 may be installed on member 600 to eliminate theneed for the superstructure 118.

FIG. 9 shows another variation of the configurations described abovewhere a superstructure 118 is pivotally mounted on the solar powercanopy 100 by a linkage assembly 126. As shown perhaps best in FIG. 9,the linkage assembly may move in a channel formed in a top surface 900of the superstructure 118. As can be appreciated, the superstructure118, in this variation, is formed by opposed sidewalls 902 and a stopwall 904. The stop wall 904 is optional, but facilitates stopping themovement of a battery compartment 120 in the superstructure 118. Aloading end 906 of the superstructure is open to allow the batterycompartments 120 to be slid into the superstructure 118 as will bedescribed. The opposed sidewalls 902 form opposed channels 908 having aC shape, for example. The channels 908 run substantially the entirelength of the superstructure 118. The opposed channels 908 could formledges instead of channels having an L shape. The battery compartments120 includes opposed side extension surfaces 910. The opposed sideextension surfaces are shaped to cooperatively engage the channels orledges 908 such that the battery compartment 120 can slide along thechannels or ledges 908 into the appropriate position. In operation, thesuperstructure 118 is pivoted from a closed (engaged) configuration toan open (load) configuration. Generally, the superstructure 118 is in ahorizontal or slightly angled position. The battery compartment 120 islifted and aligned with the superstructure such that the extensionsurfaces 910 can slidingly engage the channels 908. The batterycompartment 120 is then slid along the channels to the appropriateposition. When the battery compartments 120 are loaded/unloaded, thesuperstructure 118 is pivoted back to the closed configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C, sample power connectionsare shown. The superstructure 118, shown in FIG. 10, includes anextended surface 702 to which the first connectors 618 are attached. Theextended surface 702 could become a cover or top surface. The extendedsurface 702 also has a power and data interconnection interface 1000.The power and data interconnection interface 1000 (FIG. 10) could be asingle interface, as shown, or multiple interfaces. The batterycompartment 120 would have a corresponding power and datainterconnection interface 1002 (see FIG. 10A) forming a blind mate plugand socket connection or the like. FIG. 10 also shows that the pivotingof the superstructure 118 may be accomplished using a lift (as describedabove) or a gear and crank assembly 1004 as shown in FIG. 10. The businterconnecting the banks of battery compartments would similarly have apower/data connection interface 1006 (see FIG. 10B) that mates with asimilar power/data connection 1008 interface (see FIG. 10C) on thebattery compartment. As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the power/dataconnection interfaces 1006 and 1008 disengage when the superstructure118 pivots about axis 10 (or any other axis).

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a solar power canopy 1100.Solar power canopy 1100 includes a solar canopy 1102 and a batterysystem 1104. The solar canopy 1102 includes a frame structure 1106comprising, in this exemplary embodiment, a generally vertical centersupport strut 1108 anchored to the ground via a concrete coupling 1110and a plurality of generally horizontally extending struts 1112. Thestruts 1112, in this exemplary embodiment, angle upwards from the centersupport strut 1108 forming a shallow Y shape for the solar canopy 1102.The struts 1112 may support members 1114 as shown. Solar panels 1116(shown partially cut away) are supported on the members 1114.

The battery system 1104 includes, among other things, one or morebattery carry beams 1118 extending between two central support struts1108 (which may be designated left 1108 _(L) and right 1108 _(R) todistinguish the two as necessary). FIG. 11 currently shows two (2)battery carry beams 1118 vertically oriented with an upper and lowerbattery carry beam, but one (1) or more than two (2) battery carry beams1118 are possible. The number of battery carry beams is largely afunction of load and stability. The battery compartments 120 areconnectable to the battery carry beam(s) 1118 using first connectors 618and second connectors 620 that can be conventional connectors, such as,for example, bolts and nuts, flanged connections, hooks and lips, or thelike. The battery compartments 120 would be coupled to a bus usingrunning in one or both of the battery carry beam(s) 1118 using a blindpower and data connection interface as described above. Assuming a lipon the battery carry beam(s) 1118 and a corresponding hook (orcorresponding hooks) on the battery compartment 120, the batterycompartment may be mounted by lifting the compartment vertically, usinga forklift or the like, to a first position. The battery compartmentwould move horizontally until the hooks are aligned with the lips. Thebattery compartment would next be moved vertically until the hooksengage the lips. The downward motion and/or an additional inward motionalso would cause the power and data connection interfaces to engage.Alternatively to a blind mating, the power and data connectioninterfaces could be via a plug and socket arrangement such that theoperator subsequently plugs in the unit.

With reference to FIG. 12, a variation of the configuration shown inFIG. 11 is provided. The solar power canopy 1100 includes a central dockunit 1200. The central dock unit 1200 includes vertically hangingsupports 1202 (which could be the vertical struts 1204, in certainembodiments, or separate as shown) and one or more horizontallyextending members 1206 having a length L, a thickness T, and a width Wwhere the width W is sufficient to hold a battery compartment 120. Thedock unit 1200 as explained here may include one or more horizontallyextending members. The dock unit, as described herein below, maycomprise other cabinet, cradles, or cubicle structures. The horizontallyextending members 1206 may have lips 1208 to inhibit the batterycompartment(s) 120 from sliding once placed on the horizontallyextending members 1206. The vertically hanging supports 1202 are coupledto the solar canopy frame 1210 such that the vertically hanging supports1202 and the horizontally extending members 1206 form a shelf. As shown,one horizontally extending member 1206 is provided onto which two (2)battery compartments can be stacked vertically. In certain embodiments,a second horizontally extending member 1206 may be provided between thestacked battery compartments. The battery compartments are placed in theshelf unit by a lift mechanism, such as a forklift, as shown. FIG. 12Ashows a similar shelf unit 1212 where each battery compartment 120 fitsinto a dock unit carried by the shelf unit 1212. FIG. 12A shows eight(8) battery compartments 120 in eight (8) docks 1214, but more or lessbattery compartments and docks may be provided. The shelf unit 1212 maybe integrated into the solar canopy frame 1210 or provided with a firstconnector 1216 that couples to a second connector on the solar canopyframe 1210 (not shown) such as a tongue and groove connection or thelike. FIG. 12B shows yet another configuration where the shelf unit 1212has side-by-side docks 1214 with or without a separating wall 1215.Similar to the above, the battery compartments 120 are placed using alift mechanism, such as, for example, a forklift. FIG. 12C shows theshelf unit 1212 with side-by-side docks 1214 rather than stacked docks.As shown in FIG. 12C, the docks could each have front panels 1218, suchas the flip doors/panels shown. Also, the side-by-side docks couldfurther include a central spine support 1220. Notice, the stacked unitand the side-by-side unit could be combined in certain embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows another configuration of the solar power canopy 1100. Inthis exemplary embodiment, a first or central beam 1302 extends betweenthe vertical supports 1204. A central beam contemplates a symmetricalsolar power canopy 1100 as shown, but the solar power canopy 1100 doesnot need to be symmetrical and may take a cantilever or other shape. Aplurality of transverse beams 1304 extend axially outward from thecentral beam 1302 where each transverse beam 1304 is separated from anext transverse beam 1304 by a distance D sized to allow a batterycompartment to fit between successive transverse beams 1304. A frontpanel 1306 is pivotally coupled between successive transverse beams1304. As shown best in FIG. 13A, the central beam 1302 and the frontpanel 1306 each have a ridge 1308 generally formed by an inwardlyextending surface 1310 and an upwardly extending lip 1312. The batterycompartments 120 are formed with corresponding hooks 1314 to mate withthe ridge 1308. The ridge and hook assembly may generically be referredto as mechanisms such that a first mechanism engages a second mechanism,and the like, to couple the compartment to the canopy. The hooks 1314are similarly formed by an outwardly extending surface 1316 and adownwardly extending lip 1318.

To place the battery compartment 120 in the unit shown in FIG. 13, thefront panel is flipped from a closed (engage) position 1320 to an opened(load) position 1321. The battery compartment 120 is lifted by a liftmechanism, such as a scissor lift as shown, until the hook 1314corresponding to the central beam is above the ridge 1308 on the centralbeam. The battery compartment is next moved horizontally until the hook1314 and ridge 1308 are aligned. The front panel is flipped from theopened (load) position to the closed (engage) position, which shouldalign the second hook 1314 and ridge 1308. The battery compartment islowered until the hooks 1314 engage the ridges 1308. As shown in FIGS.13 and 13A, the battery compartment is generally loaded into thesuperstructure in a horizontal manner, meaning, in this usage, asgenerally parallel to the ground or support surface. If the successivetransverse beams 1304 also are generally parallel to the ground orsupport surface, the horizontal lift works. If the transverse beams 1304are angled to conform with the struts 112, the transverse beams 1304 maybe coupled using the scissor assemblies described above. Alternatively,the lift mechanism may have a surface that pivots to angle the batterycompartment with the transverse beams 1304. Notice, the pivoting liftmechanism may be used in some of the above and below describedembodiments to eliminate the scissor linkage assemblies.

FIG. 14 shows a similar configuration to FIG. 13 above. FIG. 14 onlyshows a portion of the solar power canopy 1100. The solar power canopy1100 has the central beam 1302 with transverse beams 1304. The centralbeam 1302 has a plurality of ridges 1308 formed, as described above,with the inwardly extending surface 1310 and upwardly extending lip1312. The battery canopy 120 would have a corresponding structure tocouple to the ridges 1308 on the inward face 1400 of the battery canopy120. Each transverse beam 1304 also would have a plurality of couplerplates 1402. The coupler plates 1402 would have a top surface 1404connected to and extending from the transverse beams 1304. The couplerplates 1402 would have first connectors 618 as described above. Thebattery canopy 120 would have second connectors 620, as described above,on an outward face 1406 that would couple to the first connectors 618.The coupler plate 1402 also would have a hook assembly 1408. The hookassembly 1408 would have a flanged surface 1410 that abuts the outwardface 1406 of one battery compartment 120 and the inward face 1400 of thenext battery compartment 120. Similar to the above, the ridges, hookassemblies, first couplers, and second couplers may be referred to asmechanisms, where a number designator is used to identify differentmechanisms. The central beam 1302 forms a ridge 1312, which comprisesthe inwardly extending surface 1310 and lip 1312. This configuration mayallow for some counter balance between the battery compartments. Thisconfiguration, consistent with some of the above, provides each batterycompartment with its own mounting to the solar power canopy. The ridgesand/or hook assemblies of FIG. 14 could be replaced by the first andsecond connectors described herein. Additionally, instead of connectingon the inward and outward faces, the connectors could be designed foropposing sides 1414 of the battery compartment 120. As can beappreciated, to engage the battery compartment 120 with the solar canopy1100, the battery compartment 120 is first moved to a location such thatthe ridge 1308 is aligned vertically with the hook assembly 1408. Thebattery compartment 120 is pivoted or tilted about its axis such thatthe end with the hook assembly 1408 is higher than the end with thesecond connectors 620. The battery compartment 120 is lifted intoposition within the solar canopy 1100 and the pivot or tilt is reversesuntil the hook assembly engages the ridge 1308 and the second connector620 abuts the first connector 618 on the coupler plate. The firstconnector 618 and the second connector 620 are engaged or coupled tohold the battery compartment 120 in place.

With reference now to FIGS. 15 and 15A, another configuration for asolar power canopy 1500 is provided. The solar power canopy 1500includes a battery assembly 1502 comprising a superstructure 118,similar to the superstructures described above, and a battery holdingcubicle 1504. The superstructure 118, in this exemplary embodiment,comprises a central facing wall 1506, an edge facing wall 1508, andopposed sidewalls 1510 coupling the central facing wall 1506 and theedge facing wall 1508. The battery holding cubicle 1504 is a box likestructure having a top surface 1512, a bottom surface 1514 opposite thetop surface, a first surface 1516, and a second surface 1518 oppositethe first surface. The surfaces are connected to form a cavity 1520 orspace 1520 shaped to slidingly receive the battery compartment 120. Thebattery holding cubicle 1504 is pivotally coupled, such as by a hingedconnection, between the first surface 1516 and the central facing wall1506 of the superstructure 118. In operation, the battery holdingcubicle is pivoted from a closed (engage) configuration 1522 to anopened (load) configuration 1524. In the opened configuration 1524, thebattery holding cubicle cavity 1520 is accessible such that a batterycompartment 120 can be slid, horizontally, from a lift mechanism intothe battery holding cubicle 1504. The battery holding cubicle 1504 ispivoted back to the closed configuration 1522 and latched or locked intoplace. The battery compartments would be similarly unloaded byunlatching or unloading the battery holding cubicle 1504 and pivoting itto an opened (load) configuration. The battery compartment 120 would beslid horizontally out of the cavity 1520. The battery holding cubicle1504 may have stops 1524, such as lips or ridges, to inhibit sliding thebattery compartment 120 completely through the cavity 1520.

The battery compartments 120 have flared corners 1526 as best seen inFIG. 15B. The flared corners 1526 hold the battery in the batteryholding cubicle 1504 by provide gaps G between the battery compartment120 and the top 1512 and the bottom surface 1514. The gaps G may provideadditional air flow capacity to facilitate cooling of the batterycompartments 120.

As can be appreciated, battery compartment 120, although modular, iscumbersome to move. The above described configurations generallydisclose lifting the battery compartment 120 to a superstructure orother holding mechanism that is part of the solar power canopy. Thelifting mechanisms shown include scissor lifts and forklifts to name buttwo exemplary lift types. The lifts may include a pivotable pad thattilts to allow arrangement of the battery compartment 120 from ahorizontal position to an angled position, at least with respect to theground or support surface, to facilitate movement from the lift deviceto the holding mechanism. FIGS. 16 to 20 show several configurations ofcables, pulleys, cranes and winches that may be used to facilitatemovement of the battery compartments 120. The battery compartment 120 isshown in several exemplary embodiments as being transported to the solarpower canopy using a flatbed truck, which may be a pick-up truck asshown or another heavy duty truck, the battery compartments 120 may bemoved by many vehicles including railways or the like.

In any event, with reference to FIG. 16, a flat support surface 1600 isshown to support the battery compartment 120. The battery compartment120 will have a first mechanism that is removably coupled to a secondmechanism on the solar power canopy 1602, which may be any one of theabove described mechanisms. The battery compartment on the flat supportsurface 1600 is moved to generally align the first and secondmechanisms. In this case, the pick-up truck is positioned in such alocation. A cable 1604, or a plurality of cables 1604 _(1-n), isattached at a first end 1606 to the battery compartment and at a secondend 1608 to a winch 1610, which may be a hoist, windlass, or the like.One or more pulleys 1612 are attached to the beams of the solar powercanopy. The cable 1604 is routed over the pulley(s) 1612. The winch 1610raises the battery compartment between the flat support surface 1600 tothe solar power canopy until the first and second mechanisms can becoupled to lock the battery compartment 120 in place. Once in place, thecable 1604 can be disconnected from the battery compartment. To lowerthe battery compartment 120, the cable 1604 is connected to the batterycompartment and the slack in the cable 1604 is taken up. Once the cable1604 is taunt, the first and second mechanisms are decoupled to unlockthe battery compartment from the solar power canopy. The winch 1610 isoperated to lower the battery compartment to the flat support surface1600. As can be seen in FIG. 16, the pulley 1612 may be coupled to thehorizontal support strut 112 with a joint (or track) 1614 or secondpulley 1612 positioned to redirect the cable 1604 as necessary for eachplace to which a battery compartment will be located. As shown in FIG.16A, a second pulley 1612 (or a joint) may be contained in a track 1616that allows positioning of the second pulley 1612, as necessary. Oncepositioned, the second pulley 1612 would be locked to the track 1616. Ifa movable or slidable pulley 1612, for example, is used, the secondpulley 1612 would be positioned prior to coupling the cable to thebattery compartment.

FIGS. 17, 17A and 17B shows a similar lift system. A flat supportsurface 1600 is shown to support the battery compartment 120. Thebattery compartment 120 will have a first mechanism that is removablycoupled to a second mechanism on the solar power canopy 1602, which maybe any one of the above described mechanisms. The battery compartment onthe flat support surface 1600 is moved to generally align the first andsecond mechanisms. In this case, the pick-up truck is positioned in sucha location. As best seen in FIG. 17A, a motorized winch 1700 is movedalong a track 1702 to align with the battery compartment 120. A cable1604 is coupled from the motorized winch 1700 to the battery compartment120. The battery compartment 120 may subsequently be lifted to couplethe first and second mechanisms. Alternatively, the battery compartment120 may be aligned with a load/unload window 1704 that allows thebattery compartment 120 to be raised (or lowered) from thesuperstructure 1706. The superstructure 1706 has a race 1708 thatextends from a first end 1710 central to the solar power canopy 1602 toan edge 1712 distal from the first end and proximal the window 1704. Thebattery compartment 120 has an extension surface 1714 (FIG. 17). Thewinch raises the battery compartment 120 into the window 1704. Themotorized winch 1700 travels along the track 1702 until the batterycompartment 120 is positioned along the race 1708. The batterycompartment may be lowered by the winch 1700 until the extension surface1714 engages the race 1708 and/or the first and second mechanisms arecoupled. As shown in FIG. 17B, the winch 1700 may couple to an outertrack 1716 such that the winch may move between superstructures 1706.Also, the cable 1604 may have a connector 1718 to facilitate coupling tothe battery compartment 120, such as, for example, the connector plateshown. The extension surface 1714 also may have rollers 1720 tofacilitate movement of the battery compartment 120 along, for example,the race 1708. The winch 1700 slidable along the outer track 1716 may beused with a second winch (similar to the winch 1700) or a pulley(similar to the second pulley 1612).

FIG. 18 shows an alternative solar power canopy 1800 consistent with thetechnology of the present application. The solar power canopy 1800 has avertical support 1802 and a horizontally extending support 1804. Asuperstructure 1806 is coupled to the solar power canopy 1800. Thesuperstructure 1806 is sized to generally fit one or more batterycompartments 120, such as the three (3) compartments shown in theexemplary figure. A motorized winch 1808 (which could alternatively be ahand crank in certain embodiments) is connectable to the solar powercanopy 1800, such as along an outer edge track 1810. The superstructure1806 is pivotally coupled, such as by an axle or hinge, to the solarpower canopy 1800 at a first end 1812 and releasably coupled, such by alatch or lock, to the solar power canopy 1800 at a second end 1814. Thepivot is shown towards the center but the first and second ends could beswapped as desired. A cable 1816 is releasably coupled between the winch1808 and the superstructure 1806 at the second end 1814. Thesuperstructure is released from the solar canopy and pivoted from aclosed (engaged) configuration to an open (load/unload) configuration. Aflat surface 1818, such as a flatbed truck, is aligned with the secondend 1814 of the superstructure 1806 in the open configuration. The flatsurface 1818 may support the second end 1814 such that the cable 1816can be removed from the superstructure and coupled to the batterycompartment 120. The cable 1816 (or a second cable) is run from thewinch 1808 to a cable track 1820, which is shown located at the firstend 1812 of the superstructure 1806. The cable is run through theinterior 1822 of the superstructure 1806 and coupled to the batterycompartment 120. The winch 1808 operates to slide the batterycompartment along the superstructure rails 1824 until the batterycompartment 120 is in place, such that the first and second mechanismscan be coupled to hold the battery compartment 120 in place.Subsequently, the cable is removed and another battery compartment maybe loaded. Once all the battery compartments 120 are loaded, the cable1816 is removed from the battery compartments and coupled to the secondend 1814 of the superstructure 1806. The winch 1808 is operated to pivotthe superstructure to the closed configuration such that thesuperstructure is coupled to the solar canopy, such as by the latch orlock. The process to unload the battery compartment is similar but thecable is attached to the battery compartment prior to decoupling thefirst and second mechanisms and the winch is operated to lower thebattery to the support surface.

FIG. 19 shows still another configuration of a solar power canopy. Solarpower canopy 1900 has vertical supports 1902 and horizontal supports1904. The solar power canopy 1900 also has central beam 1906 and outerbeam 1908 extending a length of the solar power canopy 1900 fromvertical support 1902 to vertical support 1902 on opposite ends of thesolar power canopy 1900. A superstructure 1910 is releasably coupled tothe solar power canopy 1900, such as by a bolted coupling. Thesuperstructure 1910 is releasably coupled to one cable 1912 or aplurality of cables 1912. The cable 1912 is coupled to a motorized winchor hoist 1914. The superstructure 1910 is decoupled from the solar powercanopy 1900 and raised or lowered by operation of the winch or hoist1914. The superstructure 1910 is, as shown in the example, lowered ontoa bank 1915 of battery compartments 120. The battery compartments 120are coupled to the superstructure 1910, and the superstructure 1910 israised until the superstructure 1910 is recoupled to the solar powercanopy 1900.

FIG. 20 shows another solar power canopy 2000. Solar power canopy 2000includes, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of verticalsupports 2002 and a plurality of horizontally extending struts 2004. Afirst beam 2006 extends between the vertical supports 2002 and aplurality of second beams 2008 extend between the horizontal struts 2004to provide structural integrity as required. A plurality of solar panels2010 are mechanically coupled to the horizontal struts 2004 and secondbeams, and electrically coupled to one or more battery compartments2012. The solar panels 2010 form a gap G about the first beam 2006. Thebattery compartments 2012, in this exemplary embodiment, are formed witha vertically extending slot 2014 to define a flanged surface 2016 onbattery compartment 2012. The first beam 2006 (which may be a pluralityof beams 2006) holds dock unit 2018, that may saddle the first beam 2006or be directly coupled such as by a weld, made integral with, a bolt, orthe like. The dock unit 2018 may be exposed via the gap G in the solarpanels 2010 above the first beam 2006. The dock unit 2018 form a cradle2020 into which the flanged surface 2016 is fitted, such that the slot2014 is fit over a wall 2022 of the cradle 2020. The battery compartment2012 is moved into position by, for example, operation of a crane or thelike.

FIG. 20 shows loading the battery compartments 2012 using a crane tolower the battery compartment 2012 from a position over the solar powercanopy 2000 into the dock unit 2018. FIG. 20A shows an alternativeconfiguration of the solar power canopy 2000. The first beam 2006extending between vertical supports 2002 is coupled to a lift mechanism2024, such as a pylon jack, that may be moved by a hydraulic actuator,forklift, truck, winch, crank, or the like. The lift mechanism wouldtravel in a vertical track 2026 in the vertical supports 2002 and haveat least a bottom stop and a top stop that allows locking or retainingthe first beam 2006 in a stationary location. The lowering of the firstbeam 2006 may allow for easier installation or removal of the batterycompartments 2012.

With reference now to FIGS. 21, 21A, and 21B, another embodiment of asolar power canopy 2100 is provided. Solar power canopy 2100, similar tothe above canopies, has a vertical support 2102 and a first beam 2104extending between the vertical supports. The first beam 2104 has agroove 2106 or notch milled into the lower portion 2108 of the firstbeam 2104 a distance D from the bottom surface 2105 of the first beam2104. The battery compartments 2110, which are similar to the abovementioned battery compartments 120, have a recess 2112. The recess 2112is defined by an inset top wall 2114 in the top wall 2116 and a pair ofopposed sidewalls 2118. The top edge 2120 of the recess 2112 (where thetop wall 2116 meets the pair of opposed sidewalls 2118) define anopposed pair of latches 2122. The inset top wall 2114 is set at least adistance D from the latches 2122 such that the lower portion 2108 of thefirst beam 2104 fits into the recess 2112. The latches 2122 are sized toengage the groove 2106 to couple the battery compartment 2110 to thefirst beam 2104. To load/unload the battery compartments 2110, thelatches 2122 pivot (toward or away from the battery compartment) suchthat the latches 2122 hook into the grooves 2106 forming a snap lock.

Solar power canopy 2100 may have horizontal struts as explained above,however, the exemplary embodiment of solar power canopy 2100 has solarpanels 2130 arranged in a pair of panel arrays 2132 coupled at firstedges 2134 of the panel arrays 2132 to the first beam 2104. A cable 2136extends from a first point 2138 on a first of the panel arrays 2132 thatis located proximal the outer edge 2140 of the first of the panel arrays2132 to a corresponding second point 2142 on a second of the panelarrays 2132 that is located proximal the outer edge 2140 of the secondof the panel arrays 2132. The cable 2136 routes through a cable guide2144 located on the top surface 2146 of the first beam 2104. While thepair of panel arrays 2132 are counter balanced, horizontal supportmembers (not shown) may be provided. As shown in FIG. 21B, the solarpower canopy 2100 may have upper tension cables 2136 and lower tensioncables 2148.

In certain embodiments, the pair of panel arrays 2132 may be hinged orpivotally mounted (rather than mounted at a fixed angle) to the firstbeam 2104 at the first edges. The cable guide 2144 may be provided witha cable grip 2145 and a motor 2147. The motor 2147 may be operated tomove the cable grip 2145. The cable grip 2145 moves the cable 2136 ineither direction. Movement of the cable 2136 causes the pair of panelarrays 2132 to rotate up or down. This may allow positioning the pair ofpanel arrays 2132 in a more optimal position for exposure to the sun.Alternatively, the pair of panel arrays 2132 may be coupled at a centralaxle CA at the first edges 2134 rather than hinged or pivotally mountedto the first beam 2104. The central axle may extend between the verticalsupport member 2102 (and may be in the first beam 2104). The motor, inthis case, may cause the axle to rotate the panels similar to therotation described above. The rotation of the pair of panel arrays 2132will cause the cable 2136 to move within the cable guide 2144. Incertain embodiments, the panel arrays 2132 may be coupled to a centralaxle CA and the cable guide 2144 may have a cable grip 2145 such thatone or more motors 2147 may cause movement of both the cable grip 2145and the central axle CA.

In the above descriptions, the battery compartment is genericallyreferred to as a box like structure containing the electronics for ahigh capacity storage unit (such as a battery capable of storing betweenabout 10 kWatt/Hours to 250 kWatt/Hours or more electrical energy),inverters, and PC controls to couple the DC storage unit to a power grid(local or regional). With reference to FIG. 21C, however, the solarpower canopy 2100 with upper and lower tension cables 2136 and 2148 isshown with a specific inverter box 2150 and a specific battery storagebox 2152. Together, the inverter box 2150 (which would likely house thePC controls as well) with the storage box 2152 (which would likely housethe high capacity storage unit/battery along with coolant systems) wouldform the battery compartment as referenced throughout the application.As can now be appreciated, the battery compartments described herein maybe single units or split into multiple units such that some of thebattery compartments may only include inverters; some may only includecontrollers; and some may only include storage units; and some mayinclude combinations of the above. As shown in FIG. 21D, the storage box2152 may be placed in manners as described above such that the storageboxes 2152 are arranged under the panel arrays 2132 as described in someembodiments above. The storage boxes 2152 also may be stacked (notshown). As can be appreciated, the storage boxes 2152 (similar to theother battery compartments) would be arranged to evenly distributeweight.

FIGS. 22 and 22A show an alternative construction of solar power canopy2100. The solar power canopy 2100 includes a double row of batterycompartments 2200 such that a support connector plate 2202 is coupled tothe bottom surface 2105 of the first beam 2104. The bottom surface 2105has a plurality of connectors 2204 that have a first mechanism 2206 thatis engageable with a second mechanism 2208 on the battery compartments2200. In this particular exemplary embodiment, the connectors 2204 havemale protrusions 2210 that can snap into corresponding female sockets2212 on the battery compartments 2200. As can be best seen in theexploded portion of FIG. 22, the connectors 2204 may have electricalconnections 2214 that mate with electrical connections 2216 on thebattery compartments 2200 as best seen in FIG. 22A. Blind electricalconnections, as described here, may be provided for all the abovereferenced embodiments and configurations.

Although the technology has been described in language that is specificto certain structures and materials, it is to be understood that theinvention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited tothe specific structures and materials described. Rather, the specificaspects are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention.Because many embodiments of the invention can be practiced withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended. Unless otherwise indicated,all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions,physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than theclaims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term“approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit theapplication of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numericalparameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified bythe term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of thenumber of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understoodto encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and allsubranges or any and all individual values subsumed therein. Forexample, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include andprovide support for claims that recite any and all subranges orindividual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum valueof 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning witha minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 orless (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of loading high capacity power storagecompartments to a solar canopy, the method comprising: providing thesolar canopy comprising a plurality of vertical support members coupledby a first beam and a plurality of horizontal support members extendingfrom the vertical support members or the first beam, the first beamcomprises a first mechanism and at least one of the plurality ofhorizontal support members comprises a second mechanism; providing atleast one compartment containing equipment for a high capacity powerstorage systems, wherein the equipment is selected from the group ofequipment consisting of: a battery, a transformer, a power controller,an inverter, or a combination thereof, wherein the at least onecompartment comprises a third mechanism to operatively engage the firstmechanism and a forth mechanism to operatively engage the secondmechanism; supporting the at least one compartment with a lift; movingthe at least one compartment with the lift to align the third mechanismand the fourth mechanism with the first mechanism and the secondmechanism; coupling the at least one compartment to the solar canopy byengaging the first mechanism and the third mechanism and engaging thesecond mechanism and the fourth mechanism; and removing the lift.
 2. Themethod of loading high capacity power storage compartments to a solarcanopy further comprising the step of unloading the high capacity powerstorage compartment, the method further comprising: supporting the atleast one compartment with the lift; de-coupling the at least onecompartment from the solar canopy by disengaging the first mechanism andthe third mechanism and disengaging the second mechanism and the fourthmechanism; and moving the at least one compartment from the solarcanopy.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first mechanism comprises aridge with a lip, the second mechanism comprises a coupler plate havingfirst connector, the third mechanism comprises a hook assembly with alip shaped to operatively engage with the ridge, and the fourthmechanism comprises a second connector wherein the step of moving the atleast one canopy comprises: aligning the at least one compartment suchthat the ridge and the hook substantially vertically aligned; pivotingthe at least one compartment such that the hook assembly is higher thanthe second connector; lifting the at least one compartment into placeproximate the ridge and first connector; reverse pivoting the at leastone compartment until the hook assembly engages the ridge and the secondconnector abuts the first connector; and coupling the first connectorand the second connector.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the firstmechanism and second mechanism comprise first connectors and the thirdmechanism and fourth mechanism comprise second connectors and the stepof engaging the first mechanism and the third mechanism and engaging thesecond mechanism and the fourth mechanism comprises bolting the firstconnectors to the second connectors.
 5. The method of claim 1 whereinthe first mechanism and the second mechanism comprise a ridge with a lipand the third mechanism and fourth mechanism comprise a hook assemblywith a lip shaped to operatively engage the ridge wherein the step ofmoving the at least one canopy comprises: placing the third mechanism inan opened position; moving the at least one compartment with the lift toalign the third mechanism with the first mechanism; pivoting the thirdmechanism to a closed position; lowering the at least one compartmentuntil the hook assembly of the third mechanism and the hook assembly ofthe fourth mechanism engage the ridge of the first mechanism and theridge of the second mechanism.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein thefirst mechanism and the second mechanism comprise at least one of aspring loaded male protrusion or a female socket and the third mechanismand fourth mechanism comprise at least another of the female socket orspring loaded male protrusion to form a snap fit engagement between thesolar canopy and the at least one compartment, wherein the step ofmoving the at least one compartment and coupling the at least onecompartment to the solar canopy comprises aligning the male protrusionwith the female socket, compressing the spring loaded male protrusionwhile moving the at least one compartment, and decompressing the springloaded male protrusion into the female socket to engage the firstmechanism and the third mechanism and the second mechanism and thefourth mechanism.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the spring loadedmale protrusion is a latch and the female socket is a groove wherein thelatch pivots to operatively engage the groove.
 8. The method of claim 1wherein the solar canopy comprises at least one panel array pivotallycoupled to the solar canopy and the method further comprises pivotingthe at least one panel array.
 9. A method of loading or unloading highcapacity power storage compartments to a solar canopy, the methodcomprising: providing the solar canopy comprising a plurality ofvertical support members coupled by a first beam and a plurality ofhorizontal support members extending from the vertical support membersor the first beam, the solar canopy further comprising at least onesuperstructure movably coupled to the solar canopy wherein the at leastone superstructure is movable from a closed position and an openposition; providing at least one compartment containing equipment for ahigh capacity power storage systems, wherein the equipment is selectedfrom the group of equipment consisting of: a battery, a transformer, apower controller, an inverter, or a combination thereof, wherein the atleast one compartment is sized to operatively engage the at least onesuperstructure; moving the at least one superstructure from the closedposition to the open position wherein the at least one compartment ismovable into or out of the at least one superstructure; and moving theat least one compartment into or out of the at least one superstructure,wherein the moving step comprises at least one of inserting the at leastone compartment into the at least one superstructure and coupling the atleast one compartment to the at least one superstructure or de-couplingthe at least one compartment from the at least one superstructure andremoving the at least one compartment.
 10. The method of claim 9 whereinthe step of moving the at least one compartment comprises supporting theat least one compartment with a lift and operating the lift to align theat least one compartment with the at least one superstructure tofacilitate the inserting or removing steps.
 11. The method of claim 9wherein the at least one superstructure is pivotally coupled to thesolar canopy by a scissor linkage assembly and the at least onesuperstructure is moved between the open and closed positions byextending and collapsing the scissor linkage assembly to pivot the atleast one superstructure.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein extendingand collapsing the scissor linkage assembly comprises turning a crank.13. The method of claim 11 wherein the at least one wherein the at leastone superstructure is pivoted from a horizontal position to a verticalposition.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the at least onecompartment is supported by a horizontal surface and the at least onesuperstructure is movable, substantially horizontally, from the closedposition to open position by lowering the at least one superstructurefrom the solar canopy to the horizontal surface.
 15. A method of loadinghigh capacity power storage compartments to a solar canopy, the methodcomprising: providing the solar canopy comprising a plurality ofvertical support members coupled by a first beam and a plurality ofhorizontal support members extending from the vertical support membersor the first beam, at least one dock unit coupled to at least one of theplurality of the horizontal support members defining a cavity having asize and shape; providing at least one compartment containing equipmentfor a high capacity power storage systems, wherein the equipment isselected from the group of equipment consisting of: a battery, atransformer, a power controller, an inverter, or a combination thereof,wherein the at least one compartment has a portion with a size and shapeto operatively engage the cavity of the at least one dock unit;supporting the at least one compartment with a lift; moving the at leastone compartment with the lift to align the portion of the at least onecompartment with the cavity of the at least one dock unit; and couplingthe at least one compartment to the solar canopy.
 16. The method ofclaim 15 wherein the at least one dock unit comprises at least onecabinet wherein each of the at least one cabinets defines a cavity andthe portion of the at least one compartment comprises the entirecompartment and the at least one compartment is sized to fit within thecavity.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the at least one dock unitcomprises a lip on the first beam that defines the cavity between thelip and the first beam and the portion comprises a hook sized to fit inthe cavity.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the cavity is accessibleby opening a panel.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising thestep of pivoting the at least one cabinet prior to moving the at leastone compartment.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the at least onedock unit comprises a cradle and the portion of the at least onecompartment comprises a flanged surface wherein moving the at least onecompartment with the lift comprises moving the flanged surface into thecradle.